Woman dies after dog attack

A 34-year-old woman has died after she was attacked by a dog in Essex.

Police officers were called to an address in Retort Close, Southend, by the ambulance service at 11.30pm on Monday.

Essex Police say the woman suffered “serious injuries” and was taken to the Royal London Hospital where she died in the early hours of Tuesday.

The animal involved in the attack has been seized and – after an assessment by a dog liaison officer – was not judged to be a banned breed.

The force has said it was not looking for anyone else and a file would be prepared for the coroner.

Two dogs were taken from the address, but just one of them is believed to have been involved.

Officers have not confirmed what breed they are.

Detective Superintendent Gary Biddle said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family of the woman involved at this time.

“While our investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident continues, we would ask that the privacy of the woman’s family is respected.”

There has been a new focus on dog breeds after recent attacks.

In July, Kelly Reilly died after being attacked by an American bulldog in Coventry.

Esther Martin was killed when she was attacked by two dogs in Jaywick, Essex, in February and a man has been charged in connection with that case.